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AVG update gags iTunes

Security scanner strikes a duff note

A dodgy AVG update over the weekend left users with crippled iTunes installations.

The faulty signature update meant iTunes.dll and iTunesRegistry.dll library files were falsely labelled as infected with the Small-BOG virus, and consigned into quarantine. As a result, AVG both prevented iTunes from working and the re-installation of Apple's software.

Scores of posts on the issue flooded onto Apple’s support forum. AVG support forums also filled up with queries.

In response, AVG published a corrected update and issued a statement on Saturday apologising for the cock-up, and explaining how to restore systems to normal operation.

Unfortunately, a recent virus database update resulted in iTunes being detected as a Trojan by AVG security products. We can confirm that it was a false alarm. AVG immediately released a new virus database update (definition file 270.13.29/2260) that corrected this issue. If you are having problems, please update your AVG and check your iTunes again.

False positives involving anti-virus scanners are a perennial problem that affect every vendor from time to time. The respective popularity of both iTunes and AVG, which publishes a popular security scanner that comes free of charge to consumers, means many people will be affected by this particular snafu. ®